can i just say here, because i am still freaked by it, ....the plumber that "fixed" my shower, then put all the bits of tile and grout into the sink, plugging it up good!!!! thank god i'm kinda handy with pipes and screws! i fixed it up fine.

candela

Madsue: Do you still do official paperwork for Brits? We may have need of your services..

Rebekah

Rebekah hi! I can do yes, but don�t forget I am in the Canary Islands. Also, it is now so much easier for the Brits to do their own paperwork. Let me know what it is you need.

And of course, there is so much advice on this board as to how to DIY

madsue, I will email you. I am caught in an international marriage/visa warp in the space/time continuum!

Love may conquer all, but only if you don't want to move to a European Union country!

Rebekah

Booklady...sounds like you would make a lovely plumber. And please do let me know next time you're in my neck of the woods. It would be great to get together!

Ok...back to PLUMBING...does anyone have any ideas how to get licensed? In the US you need to pass exams (written/practical), have a number of proven years of experience, and you must be a Master to have your own business. I can't find any info on this for Spain. This is a little worrisome, since it will be our only source of income (YIKES!). Is this something an ayuntamiento would handle?

hi grayhighlite!!!
wow!! what a coincidence, i am also cuban-american, although born and raised in chicago.i too, am a spain nut and have seriously considered moving there myself, i even have all my grandparents birth certificates from galicia as i was told they would be of great help in obtaining residency.
i also have family that live in marbella and i have spent several summers there. i think your idea of starting a plumbing business there is great, yes, there are many brits, but there are also many more spaniards and if you advertise the business as being bilingual,you should'nt have any problems. all prior comments about customer service are right on the money!! it basically does not exist, although in the south the people are not as rude as in the north, they do have a problem with tardiness. i believe that once they get a taste of american customer service and punctuality, you should be off to a running start.
please write with any questions you may have about marbella or madrid and i can even ask my family there for any leads as they are in the construction business.
also, may i e-mail you privately as i would like to ask you about miami as i have a job offer there?
thanx, lamar